Optical loss coefficient in plastic waveguides

We report the position dependent tuning of fluorescence emission from Rhodamine 6G doped plastic waveguide using side illumination technique . The transmitted fluorescence as a function of the distance from the point of illumination is measured by translating the waveguide horizontally across a monochromatic light source. This technique has proved to be a useful method for characterizing the light propagation properties of dye-doped waveguides. An important finding of the present studies is the nonlinear behavior of the loss coefficient as a function of propagation distance through the waveguide. It is also found that this type of nonlinear nature depends on the dye concentration and thickness of the waveguide.